2292 - Third Base Preview

Segment 1 – News and Notes
1.    The Dodgers made a splash by signing Kyle Tucker to the largest AAV in history – 4 years and $240 million with opt-outs after 2027 and 2028.8.
a.    A lot of people are upset about the dominance of the Dodgers.  “They are ruining baseball!”  What say you?
b.    Were you surprised that Tucker signed a shorter deal but for more money?
c.    The odd thing is that he’s not even the best player on the team, maybe not even the top 3 players on the team.
d.    I don’t see any playing time loss for anyone with the exception of a potential delay in the arrival of Josue DePaula or Zyhir Hope.  Do you see anything?
2.    The Mets were spurned by Tucker and pivoted to Bo Bichette, signing him to a massive three-year, $126 million deal with a unique opt-out clause.  He can opt out after each year, and if he does, the Mets have to pay him a $5 million bonus. 
a.    $42 million a year for Bichette?  Thoughts on the signing?
b.    He’ll likely play third base.  Who sits out of Baty or Vientos?
c.    Also, I think Jett Williams needs to learn the outfield, plus, with the Mets not getting Tucker, Benge is still safe – for now.  Thoughts?
3.    A small but interesting, three-way trade was pulled off by the Angles, Rays and Reds.  The Rays sent Josh Lowe to the Angels and Gavin Lux to the Rays, with the Reds acting as the intermediary. The Angels shipped RHP Chris Clark to Tampa Bay and LHP Brock Burke to Cincinnati.
a.    Who’s value goes up more?  Lowe, Lux, or neither?
b.    Does this open a chance for Jacob Melton in Tampa?
c.    Will Lux ever be more than an afterthought?
Segment 2 – Third Base Rankings for the 2026 Season
1.    How are you approaching this position for your upcoming drafts?
2.    We will break down the top 15 to 20 in detail.  Then, go through 20 to 30 in less detail.  We will end by jumping around the remaining ranked players.
3.    Which player not in the Top 10 has a chance to emerge there next season?
4.    Which Top 10 player will not be there next season?
5.    Give me a couple of sleepers
6.    Give me one, maybe two guys you are just going to avoid drafting?